Support Alhambra Source

Follow Us

Mark Keppel students support measure that would fund expansion of Monterey Park library services

The Source is partnering with local high school newspapers to feature reporting on issues that affect the student population in Alhambra Unified. This time, we are featuring a story written for Mark Keppel's The Aztec. The Source received permission to cross-publish the story below with additional reporting.

For the past 20 years, Monterey Park’s Bruggemeyer Library has been supported by a parcel tax called Measure C.

However, Measure C will expire on June 30, 2018. To replace it, Measure LL has been introduced. Like Measure C, Measure LL will tax property owners of single family homes $25 per year and $75 for commercial property. Unlike Measure C, which only extended library hours and added a second story to the building, Measure LL will not only keep the library opened for more hours, but will also provide it with more staff and money to purchase better technology and books.

As of now, the Bruggemeyer Library has steady funding, which allows it to provide programs for children, a workplace for students and adults, and a quiet area for the elderly. If Measure LL does not pass, it would lead to possible closure on Saturdays and Sundays and staff cuts.

On February 11, 2017, nearly 50 participants arrived at Barnes Park at 9 a.m. to attend a campaign kickoff for Measure LL. These people, which included Mark Keppel High School students, community members and city officials, grouped off to pass flyers and spread awareness regarding Measure LL throughout the city.

Junior Andy Lau said, “I think getting this word out, getting this information out about what [Measure LL] is and how it will affect citizens within this city is very important.” Both senior Carmen Chen and Rachel Wang agreed, noting how the library has helped them in the past and that they were appreciative of the participants.

Wang also mentioned that showing support for Measure LL is for the greater good and that the library “makes our community stronger and more knowledgeable.”

In order to be put into action, Measure LL must be approved by at least two-thirds of Monterey Park’s voters. Voting will take place on Tuesday, March 7, 2017, and polling places will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. For every Saturday morning before that, supporters of Measure LL will continue meeting at Barnes Park to spread awareness.

Jamie Chau is a student at Mark Keppel High School. In addition to the Alhambra Source, she writes forLA Times HS Insider, SGV Journal, and is the historian for the Mark Keppel Aztec. You can also find her on YouTube.

Independent journalism is a bedrock of democracy--and it's in crisis. Here at the Alhambra Source, we're committed to covering the local stories that matter most to you. We don’t have advertisers and we don’t have pay walls, but we do have bills. You read to the end of this story. That's great. But this kind of journalism will end without public support. Join us! Support the work and the democratic values it serves. Donate now!